It’s important that you don’t run out of essential medicines and you should check which items are needed, especially before holiday periods and long weekends. However, medicines which you receive regularly on repeat prescription from your GP should not be hoarded and you should only order items you require…
Remember:
- THINK before you order
- CHECK what medicines you still have
- ORDER only what you need
If you run out of your regular medicines and can’t obtain a prescription from your GP, your local community pharmacy may be able to give you an urgent supply of repeat medication or refer you to your local NHS Out of Hours service. If you receive a prescription from the NHS Primary Care Out-of-Hours service they will be able to direct you to a pharmacy which can dispense it.
Local pharmacists in Forth Valley are also able to offer free treatment for a range of common health conditions without the need for a prescription. These include urinary tract infections, impetigo, bacterial conjunctivitis, vaginal thrush, skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis and skin infections such as cellulitis, insect bites and nail infections. For more information see the Pharmacy First Leaflet.
Remember turning up at an Emergency Department because you have run out of your regular medicines may cause delays for patients who are seriously ill.
Read Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me? for more information.
Find Local Pharmacies
Find your nearest Pharmacy using our Service Finder.
Did You Know?
Unused medicines cost the health service in Forth Valley £5 million each year. This is the equivalent of 800 hip replacements or 600 heart by-pass operations so please order only the medicines that you require. Some community pharmacies in Forth Valley also provide other pharmaceutical services including:
-
Oxygen service
-
Palliative care
-
Stoma service
-
Disposal of pharmaceutical waste